BMW M3 FOR 2002: NEW SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEARBOX
AND DETAIL REFINEMENTS

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, November 15, 2001...For enthusiasts of ultimate automotive performance, it's a magic name: BMW M3. Combining the all-around excellence of the BMW 3 Series with the spectacular performance and handling prowess that could only come from BMW M, the M3 is the formidable BMW sports car that has won - again and again - the accolades of the world's motoring critics while providing its buyers with real performance and equally real practicality. Less than a year ago, BMW M, creator of all things M, brought forth a new M3 - an all-new generation of this legendary sports car.

As has been traditional with the M3, it was the coupe model that appeared first; a convertible variant followed soon thereafter. Predictably, the independent experts took notice. In a June 2001 comparison test of the M3 coupe and a key competitor, Car and Driver declared the M3 the winner. "Incredible engine, sweet steering, silky gearbox, hi-fi driving experience" was how the magazine characterized BMW M's new ultra-performance coupe.

In another comparison test, pitting the M3 against two key rivals, Automobile Magazine (May '01) gave the BMW the edge and characterized it thus: "The BMW is a more tactile car, more responsive and fractionally quicker. It's a bigger challenge to drive, and that, ultimately, makes it a more rewarding purchase."

In August '01, Motor Trend compared the M3 coupe with two sports-car competitors and concluded, "It's ironic that the M3 can do all that it does so extremely well and still be a four-place machine with a useable back seat and a real trunk."

And in its July 23, 2001 issue, AutoWeek found that the M3 convertible would outperform BMW's own 0-60-mph time (5.1 seconds, vs. BMW's claim of 5.4 sec.). "But numbers can't measure the grins this car elicits. We're talking ear to ear. Toss it around a turn or through some cones and you're in danger of grinning the whole top of your head off. Around here, we call the M3 simply 'The Car.' Says a lot, no?"

For 2002, these new-generation M3s begin a second model year with several evolutionary changes and a revolutionary new transmission option:

- The optional Xenon headlights, now Bi-xenon, encompass low and high beams, vs. just low beams before.

- Also optional is a new automatic control that switches on the headlights and related lighting according to ambient light conditions.

- An in-dash CD player is newly standard.

- Radio-station presets are now included in the Vehicle and Key Memory system. When a particular user unlocks the M3 with his or her remote, the presets last set by that user are re-captured.

- Also new inside is Titan Shadow trim, with a graphite-like color appropriate to the M3's high-technology character.

- The available BMW Onboard Navigation System, encompassing GPS navigation and many other useful functions, has been updated with a larger, easier-to-read color monitor and optimized controls.

- Topaz Blue Metallic, has been added to the exterior color selection, Fern Green Metallic discontinued.

- The biggest news is the Sequential Manual Gearbox, offered as an option on both M3 models. Building on technology that is now virtually universal in Formula 1 racing cars, SMG affords sports-oriented drivers a means of absolutely optimizing performance - or making driving more effortless, according to the driver's wishes. Details follow.

As in 2001, two M3 models are offered: coupe at $46,545, convertible at $54,545. Both base prices are up a nominal $500 from '01, reflecting the increased standard equipment; both include destination charge.

Please download the attached pdf-files to read the full story on the M3 for 2002:

File 1: "MY 2002 M3 Story"
File 2: "MY 2002 M3 Features"
File 3: "MY 2002 M3 Specs"
File 4: "MY 2002 M Car Pricing"

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